Master the Versatile Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds
In Monster Hunter Wilds, balancing offense and defense is crucial. The Sword and Shield offers exceptional versatility, proving effective for both novice and veteran hunters. Its mobility, damage output, and defensive capabilities make it a top choice for diverse combat scenarios.
All Moves and Their Applications
The following table details the Sword and Shield's move set:
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | A four-hit combo. Adjust positioning mid-combo using the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Special Attack | Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack (stun damage). Press Circle/B for a Lateral Slash. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Advancing Slash | An upward slash while advancing. Terrain-specific attacks are possible when used while sliding downhill or near ledges. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Roundslash | A wide-area slash; direction changes are quick. Chaining it from certain attacks leads to the Spinning Reaper. |
| Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo) | Charged Chop | A powerful leaping attack. Multiple damage instances are possible by hitting weak points. Power increases after certain attacks. |
| Forward on analog stick + Circle/B | Shield Attack | Bash enemies with the shield; stun damage is maximized when targeting the head. |
| Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo) | Backstep | Avoid monster attacks during combos. Press Triangle/Y for Perfect Rush (multi-hit attack, easily inflicts elemental damage and ailments). Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to increase damage. |
| Circle/B During Backstep | Charged Slash | A high jump follows a successful Charged Slash after a Backstep. Perform Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B) while airborne. |
| Hold down R2/RT | Guard | Guard against attacks. Perfect Guard timing negates damage. Press Triangle/Y after a Perfect Guard for a Counter Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Sliding Swipe | Quickly close the distance to the target. |
| R2/RT + Square/X | Use Item | Use items while the weapon is unsheathed. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Vital Stab | Effective against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for Falling Slash or Circle/B for Upswing Bash. |
Key Combos for Optimal Damage and Evasion
- Lateral Slash Combo: Lateral Slash (Circle/B), Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B), Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B).
- Shield Bash Combo: Forward analog stick + Circle/B (x3), Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B).
- Perfect Rush Combo: Any attack, Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), Falling Bash (Circle/B). Precise timing maximizes damage.
Advanced Techniques for Enhanced Effectiveness
- Vary Attacks: Use fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks for stunning.
- Dodging and Guarding: Master Perfect Guards and Backsteps for defense and counterattacks.
- Focus Strikes: Utilize Focus Strikes on wounds, followed by Falling Slash or Upswing Bash.
- Item Usage: Use items while your weapon is drawn for faster healing and support.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
